The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has told Nigerians that it is prepared to investigate claims of voter intimidation, harassment, and result tampering in the general elections of 2023.
While briefing journalists at the National Situation Room in Abuja yesterday, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye insisted that it is committed to the sanctity of the electoral process and would not hesitate to take drastic measures against proven irregularities.
Even while this was happening, the commission bemoaned the kidnapping, stalking, intimidation, hospitalisation, and in one case, the murder of its employees during the elections.
Okoye claims that the commission had earlier informed the country of the thugs’ invasion of its office during the collation of results for the gubernatorial and state assembly elections at its office in the Obingwa local government area of Abia State.
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The collected results for the governorship election in that local government district, he claimed, were in dispute.
Okoye said the commission does not take the patience of citizens for granted and would continue to take actions to ensure the integrity of the vote and consolidate the gains made so far in the election process.
He stated that national results compilation and winner announcement for the 28 gubernatorial and 993 state assembly elections are under underway.
The commissioner stated, “Allegations of voter inducement, harassment, and manipulation of results will be evaluated and addressed,” adding that the commission is dedicated to the integrity of the process and would not be afraid to take harsh steps against confirmed anomalies.
In terms of the processes and procedures within the commission’s oversight, he emphasised that the panel had looked everything.
“However, for difficult and unforeseen circumstances outside the Commission’s control, we did our best to respond, especially where processes were disrupted by actors over whom we have little or no control.
“Such diabolical behaviour did not only affect citizens but also impacted on the Commission’s officials and processes. INEC staff, both regular and ad hoc were victims of violence.
“Some of our staff were abducted, harassed, intimidated, hospitalized and in one case killed. Nevertheless, where we could not deploy to enable citizens to vote, the Commission took the decision to remobilize to such places to enable citizens to exercise their franchise.”
“We are keeping our eyes on those areas and would not hesitate to remobilize where the outcome of the election is affected.
“As Nigerians are aware, the 2023 General Election is approaching its concluding stages. Arising from the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on 25th February 2023, the Commission promised Nigerians that there will be improved processes during the Governorship and State Assembly elections held yesterday, Saturday 18th March 2023.”
